Crop District 9AW – Shellbrook, North Battleford, Big River and Hafford areas;
Crop District 9B – Meadow Lake, Turtleford, Pierceland, Maidstone and Lloydminster areas
For the Period July 9 to July 15, 2019
| Northwest |
| |
% Ahead |
% Normal |
% Behind |
| Fall Cereals |
25 |
60 |
15 |
| Spring Cereals |
2 |
67 |
31 |
| Oilseeds |
0 |
63 |
37 |
| Pulse Crops |
5 |
76 |
19 |
Crops are nicely developing throughout the region, with 60 per cent of the fall cereals, 67 per cent of the spring cereals, 63 per cent of the oilseeds and 76 per cent of the pulse crops at their normal stages of development for this time of year. Overall, crop conditions are poor-to-good, but there are indications that a small percentage of cereal, pulse and canola crops that are in excellent condition
Rainfall varied across the region this past week, ranging from 8 mm in the Radisson area to 42 mm in the Hafford area. The North Battleford area received 20 mm, the Spiritwood and Duck Lake areas 25 mm, the Barthel area 23 mm and the Meadow Lake area up to 18 mm. The Turtleford area has received the most precipitation since April 1 (254 mm).
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and 13 per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and one per cent very short.
Livestock producers now have 10 per cent of the hay crop cut and seven per cent baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 56 per cent good and 44 per cent fair. There are indications that hay yields will be below average as hay swaths are smaller than normal. Pastures have improved from the rain fall, but will still have a reduced carrying capacity into the summer months.
Fungicide applications taking place where necessary. The majority of crop damage this past week was from hail, insects such as grasshoppers and a lack of moisture.
Farmers are busy haying and scouting for insects and disease.